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°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ Home > Graduate Studies > Catalog

Biology
2024-2025

Admission | Courses | Program | Requirements | Profile

Interim Chairperson: Richard Musser
Graduate Committee Chairperson: Richard Musser
Office: Waggoner Hall 372
Telephone: (309) 298-1546 Fax: (309) 298-2270
E-mail:Ìýgradbio@wiu.edu
Website: wiu.edu/biology
Location of Program Offering: Macomb, Quad Cities

Graduate Faculty

Professors

• Meshack Afitlhile, Ph.D., University of Kentucky
• Ranessa L. Cooper, Ph.D., University of Alberta
• Scott M. Holt, Ph.D., Iowa State University
• Sue Hum, Ph.D., University of Arkansas
• Sean E. Jenkins, Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia
• Shawn A. Meagher, Ph.D., University of Michigan
• Richard Musser, Ph.D., University of Arkansas
• Brian D. Peer, Ph.D., University of Manitoba
• Roger Viadero, Ph.D., West Virginia University

Associate Professor

• Jeffrey E. Engel, Ph.D., University of Iowa

Associate Graduate Faculty

Assistant Professors

• Maggie MacPherson, Ph.D., Tulane University
• Vaskar Nepal, Ph.D., Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Learning Outcomes

For student learning outcomes, please see wiu.edu/provost/learningoutcomes.

ÌýProgram Description

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a graduate program leading to the Master of Science degree. Graduate students may choose to select their curriculum to focus on environmental biology, education, microbiology, molecular biology, plant biology, wildlife biology, zoology, or zoo and aquarium studies under the guidance of their advisor. Courses are offered at the Macomb campus and the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼–Quad Cities campus in Moline, Illinois. Additional field biology courses are taught during the summer session at the Alice L. Kibbe Life Sciences Station along the Mississippi River near Warsaw, Illinois.

The Master of Science in Biology prepares students for a broad spectrum of career opportunities in industry, with government agencies, for additional graduate work at other institutions, and for successful careers in education.

ÌýAdmission Requirements

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 AND 3.0 or higher GPA for the last two years (60 s.h.) of undergraduate work

• A Bachelor of Science in Biology or an undergraduate degree in a related field, with coursework in Biological Sciences.

• A student essay addressing their interests and career goals.

• The department has no foreign language requirement for the Master of Science degree.

• The Graduate Record Examination is not required, however students are encouraged to submit scores for both the General Test and the Subject Test in biology prior to admission.

ÌýDegree Requirements

The Master of Science in Biology can be earned by satisfying either the requirements of the Thesis Plan, Project Plan, or Coursework Plan. The Thesis Plan is designed for students who are interested in research and/or wish to continue their education beyond the Master's Degree. The Project Plan is designed for students who want to focus on hands-on experiences, an internship or coursework, where a non-thesis project or portfolio is preferred. The Coursework Plan is available for students who want additional advanced training in the biological sciences and do not have research-oriented career goals. Additional information concerning policies and procedures can be found in the Biology Graduate Handbook, available from the department.

Students must file a Degree Plan at the department level prior to the completion of 21 semester hours. No more than 50 percent of the graduate program may be earned at the 400G level.

All students must complete the minimum requirements of either the Thesis, Project, or Coursework Plans listed below. At least half of the total program hours must be 500-level courses or higher.

I. Thesis Plan

A. Graduate Core: 9 s.h.

BIOL 501 Biometrics (3)
BIOL 502 Molecular Applications in Organismal Biology (3)
BIOL 503 Biosystematics and Evolution (3)

B. Electives: 13 s.h.

Any 400G- or 500-level BIOL, BOT, MICR, ZOOL or approved nondepartmental or transfer courses. The maximum number of semester hours allowed from the following is:Ìý BIOL 570 Seminar (2), approved nondepartmental graduate courses (6), and approved transfer courses (9)

C. Thesis Related Courses (required): 10 s.h.

BIOL 576 Survey of Biological Literature (1)
BIOL 600 Thesis Research (A minimum of 6 s.h. are required. Additional hours may be required depending on the research project used for the student’s program.) (6)
BIOL 601 Thesis (3)

TOTAL PROGRAM: 32 s.h.

D.Ìý File thesis proposal and complete coursework.
E.Ìý Complete independent research and thesis.
F.Ìý When enrollment is on campus (Macomb), attend all departmental seminars.
G.Ìý Present seminar on thesis.
H.Ìý Pass an oral examination on thesis, specialization in biology, and general areas of biology (cell/molecular, organismal, population/community).

II. Project Plan

A. Graduate Core: 9 s.h.

BIOL 501 Biometrics (3)
BIOL 502 Molecular Applications in Organismal Biology (3)
BIOL 503 Biosystematics and Evolution (3)

B. Electives: 18 s.h.

Any 400G- or 500-level BIOL, BOT, MICR, ZOOL or approved nondepartmental or transfer courses. The maximum number of semester hours allowed from the following: BIOL 570 Seminar (2), approved nondepartmental graduate courses (6), and approved transfer courses (9); BIOL 600, Thesis Research, and BIOL 601, Thesis, cannot be used.

C. Advanced Project Related Courses: 5 s.h.

BIOL 576 Survey of Literature (1)
BIOL 577 Research Problems (3)
BIOL 599 Non-thesis exit (1)

TOTAL PROGRAM: 32 s.h.

ÌýCourse Descriptions

Biology (BIOL)

425G Conservation Biology. (3) Biology of small, endangered populations. Genetic and ecological consequences of small population size, reserve design, and intervention to reduce extinction risk. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better), MICRO 200 (C grade or better), and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); BIOL 340, or BIOL 350, or permission of the instructor.

426G (cross-listed with GEOG 426G) Conservation and Management of Natural Resources. (3) Problems in the conservation and management of natural resources, including soil, water, rangeland, forest, wildlife, air, and energy resources. Special attention to resource problems of the United States. Prerequisites: Two courses in geography or permission of the instructor.

439G Methods of Teaching Middle and High School Science. (3) Study of secondary teaching methods (Grades 6-12) from the standpoints of theory and practice, curriculum objectives and standard implementation, materials, and evaluation and assessment. Included are demonstration, discussions, lectures, classroom participation, and field observations. Corequisite: EIS 303 Prerequisites: BIOL/GEOL 181 or GEOG/PHYS 182, BIOL 281, and EDS 301 (all with C- grade or better).

452G Biological Applications of GIS. (3) This course deals with biological problems examined using data acquisition and analytical methods from geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS). Prerequisites: One biology course, and either GEOG 208 or GEOG 508.

453G Streams Ecology. (3) Structure and function in lotic ecosystems is emphasized in this course. Physical, chemical, and biotic factors used in stream classification will be examined. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); and either an ecology course or permission of the instructor.

454G Mississippi River Ecology. (3) A study of the structure and function of abiotic and biotic components of a major river system. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how components interact and are influenced by activities related to human interdiction. Prerequisites: One year of biology or permission of the instructor.

456G Fire/Disturbance Ecology. (3) This course examines the role of fire and other disturbances on the distribution and ecology of plants, animals, and microbes in their natural environments. Opportunity for The Nature Conservancy’s prescribed burn and Federal basic wildlife firefighter’s certifications will be available. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better), or permission of the instructor.

458G Plant-Animal Interactions. (3) Explores the co-evolutionary relationships of plants and animals. Lecture topics will include herbivory, pollination biology, and dispersal. Lab emphasis will be placed on research experiments that utilize chemical, behavioral, and molecular techniques and review of the scientific literature. Prerequisites: BIOL 330, BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better), or permission of the instructor.

459G (cross-listed with GEOG 459G) Biogeography. (3) Study of the geographical distributions of organisms, the evolutionary and ecological processes underlying the patterns of distribution, and the role of biogeography in biological conservation. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better), or permission of the instructor.

466G Biotechnology. (3) Issues covering the genetic and cellular manipulation of organisms to produce natural products and processes that are of major economic, environmental, and social importance will be examined. Laboratory projects include DNA manipulation. Prerequisites: MICR 200 and one of the following: BIOL 330 or BIOL 340 or permission of the instructor.

479G Tropical Ecology. (3) Introduction to tropical ecology. This course may include travel to a tropical site. Students will be responsible for trip expenses. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better), or permission of the instructor.

480G Field Natural History. (3) A course designed to introduce students to local ecosystems and the species that exist within them. The course will emphasize species identification, natural history and interpretation. Prerequisites: C or better in one of the following: BIOL 100, BOT 200, RPTA 111, ZOOL 200, or permission of the instructor.

481G (cross-listed with CHEM/GEOL/METR/PHYS 481G) Scientific Techniques and Issues. (3) An interdisciplinary course wherein preservice middle and high school science teachers develop techniques and resources appropriate for their instructional program, deepen understanding of scientific concepts, and examine lab safety. Requires involvement in several professional development activities outside of class time. Not open to students with credit in CHEM/GEOL/METR/PHYS 481G. Prerequisites: EDUC 439 and ENG 280 or equivalent. Corequisite: BIOL/CHEM/GEOL/METR/PHYS 482G.

482G (cross-listed with CHEM/GEOL/METR/PHYS 482G) Science in Context. (3) Interdisciplinary course for science majors in which students explore science through inquiry, the unifying principles of science, and the role of social contexts and ethics in science. Writing Instruction in the Discipline (WID) course. Not open to students with credit in CHEM/GEOL/METR/PHYS 482G. Prerequisites: Senior standing in one of the following science majors – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, or Meteorology; ENG 280; or permission of the instructor.

501 Biometrics. (3) Basic methods of experimental design and evaluation of biological data. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in biology.

502 Molecular Applications in Organismal Biology. (3) Molecular structure; molecular methods; applications of molecular analyses to ecology, evolution and conservation biology; reading and interpretation of primary literature. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in biology.

503 Biosystematics and Evolution. (3) Philosophy of science, review of evolutionary theory, taxonomy, modern systematics, phylogenetics, macroevolution, and applications of phylogenetic systematics. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in biology.

550 Professional Workshop. (1–3, repeatable to 12)

570 Graduate Seminar. (1, repeatable) Discussion of current topics in biology based on readings of the primary literature. Emphasis on interpretation and presentation of biological data. Maximum of 2 semester hours may be applied to degree plan. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in biology.

575 Special Topics. (1-3, repeatable) This course explores advance biology topics of current interest, which are not assigned or covered in other courses in the department. The course format will vary depending on the topic, instructor and students’ needs. See course schedule for description. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in biology or permission of the instructor.

576 Survey of the Biological Literature. (1) Scope and applications of the biological literature related to writing thesis or advance project. Student will complete a graduate proposal as part of course. Directed by research advisor. Maximum 1 semester hour may be applied to degree plan. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Permission of faculty advisor and department chair required. Graduate standing biology.

577 Research Problems. (1–3, repeatable to 3) Field, laboratory, or literature research project or educational design project conducted under the supervision of a Biological Sciences faculty member. A final report and seminar may be required. Maximum of 3 s.h. can be applied to degree. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Permission of the faculty advisor and department chairperson; graduate standing in biology.

580 TA/TSA Science Teaching Training. (0) A course for new and experienced TAs/TSAs to learn more about the teaching/learning dynamic, classroom management, assessment development, and lab safety. TAs/TSAs will also complete required trainings such as FERPA and safety training. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Teaching Assistantship (TA) or Teaching Support Assistantship (TSA) in a science department required.

581 Advanced Electron Microscopy. (3) This course provides training and experience in advanced electron microscopy skills. Students develop independent research projects that include the preparation and analysis of biological samples. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in biology.

583 Organizational Management in Zoos and Aquaria. (3) This course challenges future professionals in zoos and aquaria to contemplate the multiple disciplines and factors at work in this setting. Students will receive practical information and insight from seasoned professionals using real world examples and best practices from the zoo and aquarium industry. Topics range from personal development, staff and resource management, and the future of zoos and aquaria. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the post-baccalaureate certificate program in Zoo and Aquarium Studies.

584 Advanced Ecological Techniques. (3) This course provides instruction on the applications of techniques and analytical methods to the evaluation and restoration of terrestrial and aquatic communities, including data analysis specific to those techniques. Includes field experience. Prerequisite: BIOL 350 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.

595 Graduate Internship. (1-12, repeatable) Practical experience in the biological sciences with an approved employer. Sixty contact hours per credit hour and a written report are required. Maximum of 3 semester hours may be applied to degree plan. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: Written proposal, permission of the department chair, and permission of the student’s research committee.

599 Non-Thesis Exit. (1) Requires completion of oral exam with graduate committee members in area of specialization and general biology. Final report and presentation of seminar are required for students completing independent research (BIOL 577) or internship (BIOL 595). Maximum of 1 s.h. may be applied to degree plan. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson and advisor; graduate standing in biology.

600 Thesis Research. (1–12, repeatable to 48) Research relating to a thesis topic. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Permission of the faculty advisor and department chairperson; graduate standing in biology.

601 Thesis. (3) Preparation of a thesis under direction of Biological Sciences graduate faculty member. Presentation of seminar based on independent research and successful completion of oral exam are required. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Permission of the faculty advisor and department chairperson; graduate standing in biology.

Botany (BOT)

410G Plant Systematics. (3) The basic systems, principles and methods of plant systematics stressing the identification and classification of Illinois vascular plants. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

423G Phycology. (3) Morphology, taxonomy, physiology, genetics, and ecology of the algae, particularly freshwater forms. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

430G Plant Physiology. (3) Physiological processes of plants as an interaction of structure, chemistry, physical characteristics, and environment. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better), and one year of chemistry; graduate standing in biology.

452G Freshwater Biology. (3) Common freshwater organisms and some of their relationships to one another, to their environment, and to humans. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

461G Plant Pathology. (3) Principles of phytopathology including causal agents, development, diagnosis, and control of plant diseases. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better), ZOOL 200 (C grade or better) and MICR 200 (C grade or better), or permission of the instructor.

463G (cross-listed with ANTH 463G) Ethnobotany. (4) A survey of how indigenous people use and classify plants in comparison to modern, scientific principles of botany and plant chemistry, and the use of traditional knowledge by modern science. May require field work with travel at student expense. Prerequisites: BIOL 100, 101, BOT 200 (C grade or better), ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); ANTH 110 or SZOC 100; or permission of the instructor.

512 Aquatic and Wetland Plants. (3) Taxonomy and ecology of the vascular plant flora of aquatic habitats. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better), MICR 200 (C grade or better), and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); BOT 410 and 451; graduate standing in biology.

554 Limnology. (3) The study of inland waters and their biological, physical and chemical parameters. Outside field trips required. Prerequisites: At least 18 semester hours in biology, introductory chemistry and physics; graduate standing in biology.

575 Special Topics. (1–3, repeatable) This course explores advanced topics in botany of current interest, which are not assigned or covered in other courses in the department. The course format will vary depending on the topic, instructor and students’ needs. See course schedule for description. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor; graduate standing in biology.

Microbiology (MICR)

400G Bacteriology. (3) Cultural, morphologic, and metabolic properties and methods of isolation of bacteria as related to home and community life, industry, medicine, and agriculture. Prerequisites: One year of chemistry, BOT 200 (C grade or better), ZOOL 200 (C grade or better) and MICR 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

401G Mycology. (3) An introduction to the biology of fungi emphasizing their morphology, ecology, physiology, and applied aspects; laboratory techniques used in isolation, culture, and identification. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better), ZOOL 200 (C grade or better), and MICR 200 (C grade or better) or permission of the instructor; graduate standing in biology.

405G Virology. (3) A study of the biological characteristics of animal, plant, and bacterial viruses and the viruses which cause disease. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better), ZOOL 200 (C grade or better) and MICR 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

423G Phycology. (3) Morphology, taxonomy, physiology, genetics, and ecology of the algae, particularly freshwater forms. May not be taken by students who have completed BOT 423. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

425G (cross-listed with CHEM 425G) Biochemistry of Human Disease. (4) Biochemical aspects of human diseases with emphasis on cancer and genetic disorders. The course focuses on biochemical principles of disease development and contemporary biochemistry and molecular biology methods and approaches for drug development and cancer treatments. Prerequisites: CHEM 421 and BIOL 330, or equivalents.

434G Immunology. (3) A study of antigens and antibodies, the immune response and immunity, immunological testing, allergy and hypersensitivity, transplantation, and autoimmune disease. Laboratory includes selected immunological techniques. Prerequisites: One year of chemistry, BOT 200 (C grade or better), ZOOL 200 (C grade or better), and MICR 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

451G Environmental Microbiology. (3) An exploration of how microorganisms interact in the environment and how this knowledge of microbiology can be used to address environmental issues such as ecosystem health, pollutant bioremediation, pathogen transport, sustainable agriculture, water quality, and wastewater treatment. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C or better), ZOOL 200 (C or better) and MICR 200 (C or better), and ENG 280; or permission of the instructor.

460G Parasitology. (3) Ecology and evolutionary relationships of parasitic eukaryotes. Emphasis on parasites of humans. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

461G Plant Pathology. (3) Principles of phytopathology including the causal agents, development, diagnosis, and control of plant diseases. May not be taken by students who have completed BOT 461. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better), ZOOL 200 (C grade or better), and MICR 200 (C grade or better) or permission of instructor.

463G Pathogenic Bacteriology. (3) The study of bacteria, rickettsia, mycoplasma, and chlamydia which cause disease in humans. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better), ZOOL 200 (C grade or better) and MICR 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

464G Medical Mycology. (3) The study of fungi which cause disease in humans. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better), one advanced course in microbiology (preferably MICR 401 or 463) or permission of the instructor; graduate standing in biology.

465G Industrial and Fermentation Microbiology. (3) Examines the commercial use and large-scale cultivation of microorganisms to produce natural products and processes of major economic, environmental, and social importance. Laboratory exercises in microbial fermentation processes. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better), MICR 200 (C grade or better), and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better).

575 Special Topics. (1–3, repeatable) This course explores advanced topics in microbiology of current interest, which are not assigned or covered in other courses in the department. The course format will vary depending on the topic, instructor and students’ needs. See course schedule for description. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor; graduate standing in biology.

Zoology (ZOOL)

410G Ornithology. (3) Identification, biology, ecology, and life histories of birds. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

411G Entomology. (3) Principles of entomology, including classification, general biology, and morphology. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

412G Mammalogy. (3) Identification, classification, distribution, and life histories of mammals. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

413G Herpetology. (3) Identification, classification, distribution, and biology of reptiles and amphibians. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

414G Ichthyology. (3) Identification, classification, distribution, and life histories of fishes. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

415G Invertebrate Zoology. (3) A study of invertebrate form and function as it relates to taxonomy, evolution, ecology, behavior, and physiology. Laboratory will involve comparative experimental and observational approaches. Prerequisite: ZOOL 200 (C grade or better).

417G (cross-listed with ANTH 417G) Primate Ecology, Behavior and Evolution. (3) This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to primatology utilizing principles from anthropology, ecology, paleontology, and animal behavior. Students gain an understanding of the evolutionary history, adaptations, and conservation of primates and their habitats. Not open to students with credit in ANTH 417. Prerequisites: ANTH 111 or ZOOL 200 (C grade or better) or permission of instructor.

420G Biology of Aging. (3) Introduction to the nature and theories of aging. A study of the processes involved at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels of development and the changes that occur with time. Relationships between aging and immunity, neoplasia, genetics, evolution, etc. are explored. Emphasis on humans. Prerequisites: One course in biology or permission of the instructor; graduate standing in biology.

430G Animal Physiology. (3) Primarily mammalian physiology, concerning the functions of nervous, muscular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better), and one year of chemistry; graduate standing in biology.

432G Neurobiology. (3) Provides a quantitative understanding of neurophysiology in the context of neural systems that underlie animal behavior. Laboratory uses animal preparations and computer models.

451G Advanced Topics in Animal Ecology. (3) Relationships of animals in their environment. Prerequisites: BIOL 350, ZOOL 200 (C grade or better), ENG 280; graduate standing in biology.

452G Freshwater Biology. (3) Common freshwater organisms and some of their relationships to one another, to their environment, and to humans. May not be taken by students who have completed BOT 452. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

460G Parasitology. (3) Ecology and evolutionary relationships of parasitic eukaryotes. Emphasis on parasites of humans. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); graduate standing in biology.

485G (cross-listed with RPTA 485G) Resource Management for Fly Fisheries. (3) Students will learn trout stream ecology and management, and gain fly-fishing experience. Course includes a one-week trip to a stream for students to meet with resource professionals and to practice their skills. Prerequisites: One of the following: BOT 200 (C grade or better), MICR 200 (C grade or better), ZOOL 200 (C grade or better), RPTA 110, RPTA 111 or permission of the instructor.

553 Animal Behavior. (3) The activities and responses of animals which facilitate survival under natural conditions. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in biology.

554 Limnology. (3) The study of inland waters and their biological, physical and chemical parameters. Outside field trips required. Trip estimate: $10. Prerequisite: At least 18 hours of biology, introductory chemistry and physics; graduate standing in biology.

561 Fisheries Management. (3) Techniques of study, maintenance, and improvement of fisheries resources. Prerequisites: ZOOL 414 or permission of the instructor; graduate standing in biology.

562 Wildlife Management. (3) Techniques of study, maintenance, and improvement of game resources. Prerequisites: BIOL 350 or permission of the instructor; graduate standing in biology.

575 Special Topics. (1–3, repeatable under different titles) Topics are studied which are not assigned or covered in other courses in the department. The format of this course will vary depending the topic, instructor, and the needs of students. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor; graduate standing in biology.

578 Zoo/Aquarium Practicum. (3) Gain practical experience at organizations that hold captive animals, such as zoos, aquaria, oceanaria, or animal rehabilitation facilities. Experience includes legal issues, ethical issues, husbandry standards and methods, research methods, organizational structure and policy, and facilities management. Students must work a minimum of 120 hours at the facility. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the post-baccalaureate certificate program in Zoo and Aquarium Studies.

583 Bioacoustics. (3) Survey of animal adaptations for producing and receiving sound. The effects of human-generated noise on wildlife is described. Techniques for recording sounds, and measuring amplitude and frequency, and time characteristics of sounds are demonstrated. Students will make recordings of animals in the field. Analysis of animal sounds using computer programs is required. Prerequisite: One year of college physics, or permission of the instructor.

584 Biological Studies in Zoos and Oceanaria. (3) This course discusses the types of studies suited to animals in a captive environment, current research trends, and new techniques being applied to animals in a zoo or oceanarium setting. Long-term monitoring of animals with known life histories provides unique research opportunities. Course covers topics on a variety of vertebrates and emphasizes research conducted at local zoos or oceanaria. Student research project required. Prerequisites: At least one year of college-level biology, senior biology major, or permission of the instructor.

585 Animal Training. (3) This course discusses concepts of training in a variety of animals. Techniques for observing behavior, operant conditioning, research, and husbandry/medical training are described. Laboratories include training demonstrations on animals at the Shedd Aquarium. Prerequisites: At least one year of college-level biology or psychology, senior biology major, or permission of the instructor.

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